Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Painted Poodle!
Hi Y'all! Has anyone ever seen a painted poodle? We'll I am the owner of a 40 pound one. He is currently wearing shades of purple, white and red, with a touch of lime green on his toenails! It was a "do it himself" job, too! Yep, Ollie, the dementia-driven standard, and formerly all black, wooly-bear poodle managed to tip over the trash can in my ground floor art studio. He was searching for wayward pretzels or goldfish crackers that were tossed away by my young art students, at the end of their session. While searching for said snacks, Olliebear pawed through some of the aluminim foil that had covered th paint palettes. That is how he managed to paint himself! Oh, and he also managed to paint the floor, which I had to get down on my hands and knees and SCRUB up! And the Obamas want to get a puppy for their girls in the White House? At least that pup will have it's own staff. But, now that I think aboput it, Ollie has HIS own staff, too. It is ME!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Occupational Hazzard!
Hi Y'all! I know that every line of work has it's share of occupational hazzards. Fishermen deal with heavy seas and seasickness. Those who work the night shift have to endure sleepiness or sleeplessnes, depending their body clock and schedule. Airline pilots and flight attendants have to heal with adjusting to time changes. Teacher have to deal with GERMS!
Guess what? I CAUGHT 'em! Yep, I DO wish that I was not such a good catcher, because I think that I caught a LU-LU this time. Scratchy throat, watery eyes, congestion, and that feverish feeling. in general. . . YUK! I have not had this crud in a while!
I am off to try to find Emergen-C, which was suggested by Barefoot in the Park. That, plenty of fluids, some aspirin, chicken soup and rest is my Rx! Say a prayer and wish me luck. We have an out of town wedding to attend for the weekend, and I was SO looking forward to a fun few days at the coast! I'll keep you posted how my regimen of trying to feel better goes! Meanwhile, WASH those hands and REFUSE to get into an elevator with a coughing person. The hardest part, though, is refusing the hug from a child. . . even though they have a runny nose! That is when we should toss a kiss(from a long distance) and pass on the hugs! Stay well and mostly germ-free!
Guess what? I CAUGHT 'em! Yep, I DO wish that I was not such a good catcher, because I think that I caught a LU-LU this time. Scratchy throat, watery eyes, congestion, and that feverish feeling. in general. . . YUK! I have not had this crud in a while!
I am off to try to find Emergen-C, which was suggested by Barefoot in the Park. That, plenty of fluids, some aspirin, chicken soup and rest is my Rx! Say a prayer and wish me luck. We have an out of town wedding to attend for the weekend, and I was SO looking forward to a fun few days at the coast! I'll keep you posted how my regimen of trying to feel better goes! Meanwhile, WASH those hands and REFUSE to get into an elevator with a coughing person. The hardest part, though, is refusing the hug from a child. . . even though they have a runny nose! That is when we should toss a kiss(from a long distance) and pass on the hugs! Stay well and mostly germ-free!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Post Election Blues
Hi Y'all! My phone is no longer ringing incessantly, with recorded voices urging me to vote for a specific candidate! Why, in one day, I had calls from Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Richard Petty and Andy Griffith! What a popular girl that I MUST be! Everyone wanted to talk with me and to tell me that MY vote was necessary. So, after all of this attention and adulation, the phone is silent. I no longer have the urge to tune into Fox News, CNBC and C-span, just to check on the mood of the nation. The country has gone BLUE instead of red this time. The pendulum has swung a different way. Maybe it is for the best. We just have to hope so, and support the new administration. The American people have spoken loud and clear! At any rate, I am going to have to turn my attention to something else for a while, other than politics. Suggestions, other than cleaning my closet, will be accepted! That would NOT be a cure for the Post Election Blues!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Boo-Hoo!
Boo-Hoo, Y'all! This was the MOST BLAH Halloween ever! I suppose that I am really just a kid inside. Being well over the age of 12, I no longer dress in costume. but I DO love to decorate thee house and get treats ready for all who drop by to ring the door bell. Annie B was gone for the weekend with friends to the mountains to celebrate a birthday, so the Hubby was at home with me, along with the BIG POODLE.
Hubs helped to put out the giggling ghostie on the front porch, and I replaced the usual American flag with a spookier one that I made years ago, just for the evening. I brought out the silver(and appropriately tarnished) candlabras to give the front hall a spooky glow. There was a HUGE bowl of candy treats for visiting gobleins and special home-made cupcakes for special neighbors and/or my students.
It got dark, and the candles were all lit in the jack-o-lantern, with a funny ghost hanging from the yellow and red leafed oak tree in the front yard. We were READY!
I now know what it means to have a party and nobody comes. FEW children rang the bell. Rare for a Halloween here. Not certain why, but we had only 6 trick or treaters. . .TOTAL! BUMMER!
Saturday, the decs were removed and stowed for a more festive year. The candy has been bagged and was taken to Sunday School, to treat my students for good behavior(and to help ME from wearing the extra calories). I am bummed that it was a HO-Hum Halloween! Maybe everyone was at home sick. . . of all of the Election Madness! Stay tuned for that tomorrow. I vote for no more Boo-Hoo Halloweens! All treats. . . no tricks!
Hubs helped to put out the giggling ghostie on the front porch, and I replaced the usual American flag with a spookier one that I made years ago, just for the evening. I brought out the silver(and appropriately tarnished) candlabras to give the front hall a spooky glow. There was a HUGE bowl of candy treats for visiting gobleins and special home-made cupcakes for special neighbors and/or my students.
It got dark, and the candles were all lit in the jack-o-lantern, with a funny ghost hanging from the yellow and red leafed oak tree in the front yard. We were READY!
I now know what it means to have a party and nobody comes. FEW children rang the bell. Rare for a Halloween here. Not certain why, but we had only 6 trick or treaters. . .TOTAL! BUMMER!
Saturday, the decs were removed and stowed for a more festive year. The candy has been bagged and was taken to Sunday School, to treat my students for good behavior(and to help ME from wearing the extra calories). I am bummed that it was a HO-Hum Halloween! Maybe everyone was at home sick. . . of all of the Election Madness! Stay tuned for that tomorrow. I vote for no more Boo-Hoo Halloweens! All treats. . . no tricks!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Favorite Things
Good Morning, Y'all! As I enjoy the golden sunlight streaming though the window this morning,I have to reflect on the beauty of this time of year, and some of my favorite things. The oak tree, that is turning to GOLD outside my window absoltutely takes my breath away! Tucker, the neighbor's labradoodle, curled up in a pool of sunshine on his side porch, right next to a gathering of his family's pumpkins, just makes me SMILE! The taste of coffee and a bagel(multi-grain, of course!)shared with my friend, Lee, this morning was a treat. Heading to the Farmer's Market(truely my FAVORITE spot in town!) to purchase a flat of pansies(the one's with the little "faces" on them)and then bringing them home to plant on a sunny fall afternoon gets me excited. Happiness is not found in the big, expensive "stuff" in life, but in the special times spent with friends and family, enjoying the simple things that surround us. Each day is a gift, if we only slow down long enough to notice and enjoy it! May you enjoy today, as a gift from God!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Crunch Time!
Hi Y'all! I have been absent due to a minor funk, caused by a fender bender at the local shopping center. IT was MY fender that was bent, but I did not cause the bending! It was a Beavis and Butthead wanna-be and his buddy, driving a 15 year old Pathfinder, that hit the gas in reverse, and in turn, hit me.
Now, I am quite grateful to have NOT been hurt. I am also quite appreciative that this young man was driving a car that carried insurance. However, he did not have his license or his registration. As any good momma would do, I told him to call someone to bring it to him, or he would be in far worse trouble than if he just had a minor moving violation. The friend did arrive and brought the goods before the police arrived.
I must say, the officer was wonderful, as was the lovely lady who just happened to witness the accident. I really believe that this guy thought that this was MY fault and that he could get out of it, had it not been for the witness. He actually thought that I hit HIM! The officer handled that well as soon as he arrived, letting the young man know immediately that the person backing out of a parking space does NOT have the right of way. Interesting that this guy missed that info along the way.
At any rate, I have had to get snarly with the rental car folks(of which I am now driving Sam, the silver gray Impala!) and the insurance folks, who initally said that their client was not responsible(another case of denial!) and then claimed that they would only repair it with used parts. Long story made short, getting snarly sometimes can work in one's favor! Snarly MOI refused that and I am having the full repairs done with new parts.
I LOVE my little blue Passat wagon. It is not(according to Annie B) a "cool" car, but I adore it. It is so comfy, good on gas and can zip in and out of traffic with ease with very few blind spots! I could probably make a commerecial for V-Dubs! The family has THREE right now, and we all love them!
I'll let y'all know next week if the crunch in the right fender restores my cutie -patootie car back to it's original condition. Sam the silver Impala just won't do, in the long run! I am just a V-Dub driving Mama, who misses my seat heaters, leather seats and really good radio in Patty the Passat. Im looking forward to many more good miles with my car, once the crunch time is over!
Now, I am quite grateful to have NOT been hurt. I am also quite appreciative that this young man was driving a car that carried insurance. However, he did not have his license or his registration. As any good momma would do, I told him to call someone to bring it to him, or he would be in far worse trouble than if he just had a minor moving violation. The friend did arrive and brought the goods before the police arrived.
I must say, the officer was wonderful, as was the lovely lady who just happened to witness the accident. I really believe that this guy thought that this was MY fault and that he could get out of it, had it not been for the witness. He actually thought that I hit HIM! The officer handled that well as soon as he arrived, letting the young man know immediately that the person backing out of a parking space does NOT have the right of way. Interesting that this guy missed that info along the way.
At any rate, I have had to get snarly with the rental car folks(of which I am now driving Sam, the silver gray Impala!) and the insurance folks, who initally said that their client was not responsible(another case of denial!) and then claimed that they would only repair it with used parts. Long story made short, getting snarly sometimes can work in one's favor! Snarly MOI refused that and I am having the full repairs done with new parts.
I LOVE my little blue Passat wagon. It is not(according to Annie B) a "cool" car, but I adore it. It is so comfy, good on gas and can zip in and out of traffic with ease with very few blind spots! I could probably make a commerecial for V-Dubs! The family has THREE right now, and we all love them!
I'll let y'all know next week if the crunch in the right fender restores my cutie -patootie car back to it's original condition. Sam the silver Impala just won't do, in the long run! I am just a V-Dub driving Mama, who misses my seat heaters, leather seats and really good radio in Patty the Passat. Im looking forward to many more good miles with my car, once the crunch time is over!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Trip to the neighborhood bookstore
Hi Y"all! I am just back from the neighborhood bookstore. I really like to support the independent bookseller in town, but, it is a bit of a drive, and with the gas prices on the high side, I chose to shop this evening at the nearest store. That would be Borders, just a few minutes and a couple of right turns in the VW away. Plus, I had downloaded a 25% off coupon.That is ALWAYS an incentive to shop!
My goal this evening was to purchase the book for my college alum book club, that meets in a couple of weeks. Our fam is headed for the coast this weekend, and rain is predicted. Reading may be a chosen activity, depending on the severity of the weather. "The Bible Salesman" by Clyde Edgerton is the current selection. I went right to the book, that is only available in hardback, at this time, picking it up and heading toward the check out counter.
I have to mention that it is extremely difficult for me to pass by the bargain bins without taking a look. The titles of books ALWAYS draw me in. I am in constant amazement just HOW certain books could ever be published in the first place! I wonder just who would this book appeal to, and what would make someone buy it? Some times I can figure it out and other times, I just have to shake my head in disbelief!
For example, there is a new book out. . .a memoir of a woman who was a child star on the Brady Bunch years ago. I will have to admit that I did watch that in my childhood. At this time in my life, I really have no interest who this woman dated and what she did while on that show! It was no surprise that, even as a new release, her memoir was 40% off!
The most unusual book was one titled "BANANAS: the Story of the Most Perfect Fruit." Now this attention grabber was in the 5.99 bin. I had to wonder, just what would have led someone to WRITE a book about their favorite fruit. What publishing house would have agreed to publish this volume? And the most burning question of all would be, WHY BANANAS? Inquiring minds want to know! Now be honest, don't YOU want to know?
My goal this evening was to purchase the book for my college alum book club, that meets in a couple of weeks. Our fam is headed for the coast this weekend, and rain is predicted. Reading may be a chosen activity, depending on the severity of the weather. "The Bible Salesman" by Clyde Edgerton is the current selection. I went right to the book, that is only available in hardback, at this time, picking it up and heading toward the check out counter.
I have to mention that it is extremely difficult for me to pass by the bargain bins without taking a look. The titles of books ALWAYS draw me in. I am in constant amazement just HOW certain books could ever be published in the first place! I wonder just who would this book appeal to, and what would make someone buy it? Some times I can figure it out and other times, I just have to shake my head in disbelief!
For example, there is a new book out. . .a memoir of a woman who was a child star on the Brady Bunch years ago. I will have to admit that I did watch that in my childhood. At this time in my life, I really have no interest who this woman dated and what she did while on that show! It was no surprise that, even as a new release, her memoir was 40% off!
The most unusual book was one titled "BANANAS: the Story of the Most Perfect Fruit." Now this attention grabber was in the 5.99 bin. I had to wonder, just what would have led someone to WRITE a book about their favorite fruit. What publishing house would have agreed to publish this volume? And the most burning question of all would be, WHY BANANAS? Inquiring minds want to know! Now be honest, don't YOU want to know?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Just GOTTA love the Southern Autumns!
Hi Y'all! Today is the most GORGEOUS day! Sunshine, a light breeze and temps in the mid 60s! Perfection! The sky is a clear and almost cloudless Carolina Blue(sorry about that, Duke fans!). Downtown, we have James Taylor singing a free concert on the square for Senator O. I am not there, but can't help but hum "In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina. . ." on a day such as this one. It is VERY hard to stay in the house and take bare of business, when I LONG to be out and about! I am, quite honestly, much like the ADHD kids at the school on days like today. It is just tough to focus on the jobs at hand! I think that I will just cut this post short and give into by desires to he outside. I'll pick up some sticks, sweep the porch or maybe roll out the garbage cans. ANYTHING, to enjoy this day out of doors. Seems like I might just need a good dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine. . . for my health. Yeah. . .that is it! I NEED to bypass the ironing and unloading the dishwasher for my health! ;-) "This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will be glad and rejoice in it!"
Monday, October 20, 2008
The ULTIMATE of a GREAT mom!
Hey Y'all! Life has been MIGHTY busy in the parts lately. When I work fulltime some weeks, continue my volunteer activities and my afternoon teaching gigs, something always suffers. That something is usually my family! The launbdry mountain grows while the contents of the frige shrinks! I just gotta share with you a tale of one GREAT Mom!
This Mom called me and asked me to meet her at a preview for an estate sale in her former neighborhood. It seems that an older couple, who were well traveled and who had accumulated treasures from around the globe, were downsizing to a retirement complex. Their children had taken what they wanted after the parents had moved. The rest was to be sold at a tag sale on Saturday morning, set to open at 7 AM!
We scoured the sale, identifying the best pieces and noting the not to be missed prices on many of the best things! This Mom has a daughter who is in her early 30s. . . married to an Episcopal rector and are new parents of a precious little girl. Funds are limited in the purchase of "drop dead gorgeous" dining room funiture. Here at the sale, was one of those "drop dead gorgeous" double pedistal mahogany tables, complete with three leaves AND table pads for a FABULOUS price! After speaking to the tag sale guy, we learned that we were the 9th people interested on the table. So, we hatched a plan.
This Mom went home after getting a bite of dinner and napped. Got up at 11:30 and dressed warmly. The temp was going down into the low 50s with a steady rain. She got a collapsable chair, a stadium blanket and a flashlight and headed to the tag sale house to spend the night on the front porch, to be first in line for the table, arriving there at midnight! Guess what? The early bird got the table. . .and several other great deals to boot! She spent the evening on the porch with 2 men who were dealers, and by opening hour(actually at 6:05 am)there were more than 40 people in line to find their treasures!
Now I have done some wacky things, but this one takes the cake, as far as being one GREAT Mom! Needless to say, her daughter and husband are quite excited to meet the truck arriving tomorrow, laden with the table, but also a wonderful mahogany corner cabinet, complete with lights and incredible storage below! Let's just call this one Christmas in October! Just another adventure on the life of a GREAT Mom! I am impressed! Now tell me, would YOU be that good?
This Mom called me and asked me to meet her at a preview for an estate sale in her former neighborhood. It seems that an older couple, who were well traveled and who had accumulated treasures from around the globe, were downsizing to a retirement complex. Their children had taken what they wanted after the parents had moved. The rest was to be sold at a tag sale on Saturday morning, set to open at 7 AM!
We scoured the sale, identifying the best pieces and noting the not to be missed prices on many of the best things! This Mom has a daughter who is in her early 30s. . . married to an Episcopal rector and are new parents of a precious little girl. Funds are limited in the purchase of "drop dead gorgeous" dining room funiture. Here at the sale, was one of those "drop dead gorgeous" double pedistal mahogany tables, complete with three leaves AND table pads for a FABULOUS price! After speaking to the tag sale guy, we learned that we were the 9th people interested on the table. So, we hatched a plan.
This Mom went home after getting a bite of dinner and napped. Got up at 11:30 and dressed warmly. The temp was going down into the low 50s with a steady rain. She got a collapsable chair, a stadium blanket and a flashlight and headed to the tag sale house to spend the night on the front porch, to be first in line for the table, arriving there at midnight! Guess what? The early bird got the table. . .and several other great deals to boot! She spent the evening on the porch with 2 men who were dealers, and by opening hour(actually at 6:05 am)there were more than 40 people in line to find their treasures!
Now I have done some wacky things, but this one takes the cake, as far as being one GREAT Mom! Needless to say, her daughter and husband are quite excited to meet the truck arriving tomorrow, laden with the table, but also a wonderful mahogany corner cabinet, complete with lights and incredible storage below! Let's just call this one Christmas in October! Just another adventure on the life of a GREAT Mom! I am impressed! Now tell me, would YOU be that good?
Friday, October 10, 2008
I've Been MIA!
Hi Y'all! I have been totally missing in action. Action being the main word! Lots going on with the working world, meeting the family needs and just trying to keep up with everything that I volunteered to do, before I realized that it would ALL happen at once! Truely a "stop me before I volunteer again" moment!
I was running as fast as I could, trying to be Wonder Woman at the church, the school and at home, when a funny thing happened. Wall Street decided to take a DIVE of massive proportions. The last time this happened, I was far younger, back in the 80's and had little or nothing invested. I remember being in Atlanta, buying for my store, and seeing the sheer panic on the faces of the people in the airport, as they stared blankly at the tvs in the terminal.
This time, I was the one in DISBELIEF, when I heard that Wachovia was in DEEP trouble. As a stockholder, that kind of news makes the stomach drop, as if you are in a VERY high elevator. Makes ya' want to be sick! Down to a buck a share, from close to $50.00 per share. That was more than a year of college for Annie B! That was also inheritance from my Dad. Wachovia was a "home state" stock that was to us, a blue chip investment. Even after asking my investment guy three times in as many weeks, "Should I ditch the Wachovia?" His answer was to hold it, that I did not need it anytime soon. No, not for a couple of more years. . .until it would be time to pay tuition.
So, while I was running to and fro, trying to take care of everyone, the investments that were to take care of me and my fam in the old age years have tanked.It is a scary sick feeling, all caused by the extreme greed of many near the top of their game. At this point, about all we can do is to pray that, whichever way the election rolls, it will be the "right" way. I heard about the Great Depression" a bit from grandparents. It was so painful a memory, that they spoke of it sparingly. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Bummer!
Time to put on the big girl panties and deal with it. Promise. . .No More Woeful Posts. "Tomorrow is another day", as one well known Southern Lady once said! Just call me Scarlett!
I was running as fast as I could, trying to be Wonder Woman at the church, the school and at home, when a funny thing happened. Wall Street decided to take a DIVE of massive proportions. The last time this happened, I was far younger, back in the 80's and had little or nothing invested. I remember being in Atlanta, buying for my store, and seeing the sheer panic on the faces of the people in the airport, as they stared blankly at the tvs in the terminal.
This time, I was the one in DISBELIEF, when I heard that Wachovia was in DEEP trouble. As a stockholder, that kind of news makes the stomach drop, as if you are in a VERY high elevator. Makes ya' want to be sick! Down to a buck a share, from close to $50.00 per share. That was more than a year of college for Annie B! That was also inheritance from my Dad. Wachovia was a "home state" stock that was to us, a blue chip investment. Even after asking my investment guy three times in as many weeks, "Should I ditch the Wachovia?" His answer was to hold it, that I did not need it anytime soon. No, not for a couple of more years. . .until it would be time to pay tuition.
So, while I was running to and fro, trying to take care of everyone, the investments that were to take care of me and my fam in the old age years have tanked.It is a scary sick feeling, all caused by the extreme greed of many near the top of their game. At this point, about all we can do is to pray that, whichever way the election rolls, it will be the "right" way. I heard about the Great Depression" a bit from grandparents. It was so painful a memory, that they spoke of it sparingly. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Bummer!
Time to put on the big girl panties and deal with it. Promise. . .No More Woeful Posts. "Tomorrow is another day", as one well known Southern Lady once said! Just call me Scarlett!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Absurdities in the news!
Hi Ya'll! In these unsettled financial and political times, I find myself spending more time reading news publications and tuning in to the t.v. to follow what is going on. As I was reading our local paper, several interesting articles caught my eye. Each one made me stop, and reflect. . . "Just WHAT were they thinking?"
#1. Ed McMahon RAPS about his finanacial troubles! Now REALLY folks! The man is WAY up in his 80s and he is joining a rap star to make a recording to raise money to bail himself out of finanacial difficulty? Just what are they thinking?
#2. PETA suggests that Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream use MOTHER'S MILK, in the place of cow's milk in their ice cream! PETA stated that milking cows is cruel! Just what were those PETA folks thinking?
#3 The nation of Austria allows 16 year olds to vote! When I was 18, I was CERTAIN that I had every right to vote and would make an excellent choice! I look back now and wonder, "just what was I thinking. . . " on some of my choices at such a young age. The very interesting thing about Austria is, that they allow voting at 16, but their citizens must be 21 to drive a car! Do Austrians value hiway safety above well qualified governmental officials? Are they on to something good here, or is it yet another ABSURDITY in the news?
It's your turn to let me know, "Just what are YOU thinking?"
#1. Ed McMahon RAPS about his finanacial troubles! Now REALLY folks! The man is WAY up in his 80s and he is joining a rap star to make a recording to raise money to bail himself out of finanacial difficulty? Just what are they thinking?
#2. PETA suggests that Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream use MOTHER'S MILK, in the place of cow's milk in their ice cream! PETA stated that milking cows is cruel! Just what were those PETA folks thinking?
#3 The nation of Austria allows 16 year olds to vote! When I was 18, I was CERTAIN that I had every right to vote and would make an excellent choice! I look back now and wonder, "just what was I thinking. . . " on some of my choices at such a young age. The very interesting thing about Austria is, that they allow voting at 16, but their citizens must be 21 to drive a car! Do Austrians value hiway safety above well qualified governmental officials? Are they on to something good here, or is it yet another ABSURDITY in the news?
It's your turn to let me know, "Just what are YOU thinking?"
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
World View @ 5 am
Good Morning, Y'all! Just thought that I would report on the state of the world before even the birds are up. Why, you might ask, would anyone CHOOSE to rise and attempt to shine at such an hour? Well, the Hubby had to catch the early bird flight to DC today, so he was stirring around 4am, to get to the airport by 5 for the 5:55 flight to our nation's capitol. With the lights on, I figured that I might as well rise and head to my early morning destination, as well. Both Annie B and Big Poodle continued to snooze on, ispite of our stirrings.
With a banana and a cup of coffee for fuel, and a water bottle in hand, a sweatsuit clad moi, headed to the car to make the short drive to the fitness center. All was quiet and still in the neighorhood. Not a creature appeared to be stirring. Even the usual black cat was absent on the street. After leaving the neighborhood, for a busier artery in town, traffic was picking up. I cannot say that the folks in the cars that passed me seemed to be very bright-eyed or bushy-tailed, though. All seemed to be pretty subdued, heading to their respective destinations.
Arriving at the gym, life was a different matter. The woman at the desk is ALWAYS smiling and friendly, and the 6 am aerobics class was about to crank up. The music videos were thumping their beat loudly, with their artists moving to the music on the video screens. The other gym participants are all moving and focused on their tv screens or tuned into their ipods, not noticing the other exercising folks present.Let's face it, none of us looked particularly great at that hour! Everyone moved quickly into their own athletic groove, ignoring, or seeming to ignore, what was going on around them. I joined in, on the treadmill and then with the weights, in pursuit of better fitness and a smaller pant size!
The real world was still there, and I made a wake-up call to Annie B, promising to be back home within 30 more minutes, to usher her out the door for school.
By this time, the pitch blackness of the night was gone and it was officially "the morning rush" on the roads, all shared with busses and trucks. The neighnorhood was out and about, with dogs and newpapers being gathering inside. A new day had dawned and I was there to catch it all. Have a great one, Y'all! Maybe I can fit a siesta in around mid-afternoon. I'll let you know if early birds really do, catch the worms!
With a banana and a cup of coffee for fuel, and a water bottle in hand, a sweatsuit clad moi, headed to the car to make the short drive to the fitness center. All was quiet and still in the neighorhood. Not a creature appeared to be stirring. Even the usual black cat was absent on the street. After leaving the neighborhood, for a busier artery in town, traffic was picking up. I cannot say that the folks in the cars that passed me seemed to be very bright-eyed or bushy-tailed, though. All seemed to be pretty subdued, heading to their respective destinations.
Arriving at the gym, life was a different matter. The woman at the desk is ALWAYS smiling and friendly, and the 6 am aerobics class was about to crank up. The music videos were thumping their beat loudly, with their artists moving to the music on the video screens. The other gym participants are all moving and focused on their tv screens or tuned into their ipods, not noticing the other exercising folks present.Let's face it, none of us looked particularly great at that hour! Everyone moved quickly into their own athletic groove, ignoring, or seeming to ignore, what was going on around them. I joined in, on the treadmill and then with the weights, in pursuit of better fitness and a smaller pant size!
The real world was still there, and I made a wake-up call to Annie B, promising to be back home within 30 more minutes, to usher her out the door for school.
By this time, the pitch blackness of the night was gone and it was officially "the morning rush" on the roads, all shared with busses and trucks. The neighnorhood was out and about, with dogs and newpapers being gathering inside. A new day had dawned and I was there to catch it all. Have a great one, Y'all! Maybe I can fit a siesta in around mid-afternoon. I'll let you know if early birds really do, catch the worms!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Gotta LOVE the South!
I have traveled a bit around the U.S. I have even crossed the pond a couple of times to see what was on the other side. In my travels, rarely do I see the humour that Southerners display on the license plates of their personal vehicles. Yes, I am talking about personalized license plates. Some are quite clever. Some have a very clear message. Others make me ask, "Just what WERE they thinking, when the owner of that car decided to place that message on the back, for all the world to see?"
On my way to our downtown church the other day, I just happened to have the good fortune to be behind such a vehicle. It was a BRIGHT green Dodge Charger of unknown model year. It resembled the vehicle that "starred" in the old "Dukes of Hazzard" tv show from years ago. Now, just to set the record straight, I was NOT a fan of the DoH, but had plenty of friends(especially males) who thought that there was NOTHING better. I do believe that they all had their eyes on a certain Miss Daisy Duke, who now has short-shorts that bear her name.
At any rate, I was behind this VERY loud car, sporting a personalized license plate. I read the plate, just as I was passing the Governor's Mansion of our Great State. The plate read, "MEAN R NU." Translation: "Meaner Than You." From the looks of the driver of the mean green machine, I am thinking that he was correct. He probably IS meaner than I am! What I want to know. . . Is that a GOOD thing?
Like I said in the title of this post, you just GOTTA love the South, where folks don't need to wonder what we are thinking! We just put it on our license plates to tell the world! I just wish that I had been in the possession of a camera, so that y'all would not think that I was making this one up! It was FOR REAL!
On my way to our downtown church the other day, I just happened to have the good fortune to be behind such a vehicle. It was a BRIGHT green Dodge Charger of unknown model year. It resembled the vehicle that "starred" in the old "Dukes of Hazzard" tv show from years ago. Now, just to set the record straight, I was NOT a fan of the DoH, but had plenty of friends(especially males) who thought that there was NOTHING better. I do believe that they all had their eyes on a certain Miss Daisy Duke, who now has short-shorts that bear her name.
At any rate, I was behind this VERY loud car, sporting a personalized license plate. I read the plate, just as I was passing the Governor's Mansion of our Great State. The plate read, "MEAN R NU." Translation: "Meaner Than You." From the looks of the driver of the mean green machine, I am thinking that he was correct. He probably IS meaner than I am! What I want to know. . . Is that a GOOD thing?
Like I said in the title of this post, you just GOTTA love the South, where folks don't need to wonder what we are thinking! We just put it on our license plates to tell the world! I just wish that I had been in the possession of a camera, so that y'all would not think that I was making this one up! It was FOR REAL!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Stop Me Before I Volunteer Again!
Hey, Y'all! A dear friend sent me a little "love" gift in the mail the other day. It was a note pad that said, "Stop Me Before I Volunteer Again!" Do you suppose that she is trying to tell me something? This friend is a little older than I am, with all three of her children grown and married, or about to be. She is pretty wise, on many fronts!
To be totally honest, I probably really have said "yes" a few too many times, lately. I think that the reality is hitting me, and I am beginning to be a little overwhelmed! My youngest daughter, Annie B. is 16. In two more years she will be in college, and my involvement, as a parent,on a day to day basis, will be about over. So I said "yes" to a BIG job with her school, which is a two year stindt. Then I said "yes" to a pretty big responsibility with my church. That one does not really kick in for a couple of years, so I am currently "in-training" for that. Then, of course, there are my little "paid" jobs at school, my after school teaching of art classes at home and of course, my little "Y'all Spoken Here" enterprise. Hmmm! Just how many hours are there in a day, anyway?
To be totally honest, I probably really have said "yes" a few too many times, lately. I think that the reality is hitting me, and I am beginning to be a little overwhelmed! My youngest daughter, Annie B. is 16. In two more years she will be in college, and my involvement, as a parent,on a day to day basis, will be about over. So I said "yes" to a BIG job with her school, which is a two year stindt. Then I said "yes" to a pretty big responsibility with my church. That one does not really kick in for a couple of years, so I am currently "in-training" for that. Then, of course, there are my little "paid" jobs at school, my after school teaching of art classes at home and of course, my little "Y'all Spoken Here" enterprise. Hmmm! Just how many hours are there in a day, anyway?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
"That's what it's all about!"
Ok, Y'all! Here is the burning question of the day. Is the HOKEY POKEY really what it is all about? Today, at the elementary school, I was trying to get the whole concept of RHYTHM across to a group of 2nd graders. There were some REAL LIVE WIRES within the group of 21 children, seated in a circle in the classroom.
I told them that they all had rhythm inside of them. One boy vowed and declared that "I h'aint got no rhythm in ME!" I assured him that we ALL had hearts in our bodies, and our hearts beat to our very own rhythm inside of us. Just like the rhythm of a clock ticking, or of the raindrops falling on the sidewalk outside, our heart beats with a rhythm. I had the children try to find their pulse, so that they could FEEL the rhythm of their heart. Of course, Keyvon, the child with NO rhythm, could not find his pulse!
We clapped, slapped, stomped and snapped variuous rhythms. I pointed out rhythms that we can see in repeated designs of fabrics in our clothing. We then stood in a circle to attempt a simple pattern of steps and claps. If I wanted the group to go right, there were a few that turned left. . . every time! IF I encouraged the group to clap once, certain members clapped repeatedly. After MANY tries, and no real success, I bagged the rest of the rhythm lesson, and sunk to the lowest level of teaching. . . the HOKEY POKEY! EVERYONE, even KEYVON, managed to do the activity perfectly and with total enthusiasm! Some days, (and THIS was ONE of them!) I suppose that the Hokey Pokey REALLY IS what it is all about!
I told them that they all had rhythm inside of them. One boy vowed and declared that "I h'aint got no rhythm in ME!" I assured him that we ALL had hearts in our bodies, and our hearts beat to our very own rhythm inside of us. Just like the rhythm of a clock ticking, or of the raindrops falling on the sidewalk outside, our heart beats with a rhythm. I had the children try to find their pulse, so that they could FEEL the rhythm of their heart. Of course, Keyvon, the child with NO rhythm, could not find his pulse!
We clapped, slapped, stomped and snapped variuous rhythms. I pointed out rhythms that we can see in repeated designs of fabrics in our clothing. We then stood in a circle to attempt a simple pattern of steps and claps. If I wanted the group to go right, there were a few that turned left. . . every time! IF I encouraged the group to clap once, certain members clapped repeatedly. After MANY tries, and no real success, I bagged the rest of the rhythm lesson, and sunk to the lowest level of teaching. . . the HOKEY POKEY! EVERYONE, even KEYVON, managed to do the activity perfectly and with total enthusiasm! Some days, (and THIS was ONE of them!) I suppose that the Hokey Pokey REALLY IS what it is all about!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Name Game
Hi Y'all! I am back to teaching at the neighborhood elementary school this week. I really find it energizing to be around the children. Most of them are just wonderful, with such enthusiasm for learning and great promise of a great future ahead of them. Every once in a while, I call the roll, and wonder, "Just what WAS their mother thinking when she hung that name on this child?"
After many years in and out of classrooms, I thought that I had heard or seen it all. There was the child that was named after the TV show years back, "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." That child was named Illya Kuriakin Haigler, after the main character of the series! Amazing, isn't it?
Then there was the little girl, who told me that her name was MONET. I told her that her name was the same as my favorite artist, Claude Monet. When the child finally printed her nane on her paper, it was spelled MONEY and pronounced MO-NAY! Honestly, that is the truth!
Today, I ran across a new one that I had NEVER seen! A cute little girl, whose parent had named her AMBERLISHIOUS! I believe that it should have been spelled like delicious, except someone was not able to spell it correctly. When names are invented like that, who KNOWS what a correct spelling REALLY is! Anything goes!
It used to be said, that a strange name would "limit" a child's options during their life. Obviously, that is no longer true! We have a celebrity named Moon Unit. We have a presidential candidate named Barack Obama. Whatever happened to all of the boys named Bobby and the girls named Sally? I wonder just what the future holds for Amberlishious? We'll just have to keep playing "The Name Game" to find out!
After many years in and out of classrooms, I thought that I had heard or seen it all. There was the child that was named after the TV show years back, "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." That child was named Illya Kuriakin Haigler, after the main character of the series! Amazing, isn't it?
Then there was the little girl, who told me that her name was MONET. I told her that her name was the same as my favorite artist, Claude Monet. When the child finally printed her nane on her paper, it was spelled MONEY and pronounced MO-NAY! Honestly, that is the truth!
Today, I ran across a new one that I had NEVER seen! A cute little girl, whose parent had named her AMBERLISHIOUS! I believe that it should have been spelled like delicious, except someone was not able to spell it correctly. When names are invented like that, who KNOWS what a correct spelling REALLY is! Anything goes!
It used to be said, that a strange name would "limit" a child's options during their life. Obviously, that is no longer true! We have a celebrity named Moon Unit. We have a presidential candidate named Barack Obama. Whatever happened to all of the boys named Bobby and the girls named Sally? I wonder just what the future holds for Amberlishious? We'll just have to keep playing "The Name Game" to find out!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Smells like Fall, Y'all!
Good Morning, Y'all! My family accuses me of being a "sniffer!" I cannot help having a VERY sensitive nose. I know immediately when Olliebear, the aged BIG poodle, has had an accident. I can tell when a neighbor has had a load of composted material delivered. Perfumes and certain detergents just drive me crazy! The nose just knows!
I was at my local grocery store(akaTheTeeter)when I caught a familiar odor. It suddenly smelled like FALL! It was a rainy and warm day. Humidity makes odors hang around longer, I think. It also seems to intensify smells. There was a big truck out in front, unloading MUMS! Golden yellow, rusty red, dusty lavender. . .all beautiful colors of MUMS! Nothing says that fall is beginning to me like the sight and smell of those plants and their distinct flowers!
I usually purchase about three rounds of chrysanthemums. The first round is usally in mid-September, when the impatiens that are in pots on my porch begin to look a little droopy. I rotate the summer flowers around back, and replace them with the pots filled with golden blooms. The nicest thing about the mums, is that they do last(when I keep them watered!) on my shady front porch about a month. The secret is to buy them in tight buds!
Round two is in mid-October, so that the porch will look festive for Halloween. Those are generally yellow, as well. Round three is another color. Many times I try the rusty red or purple shades moving towards Thanksviving. The really nice thing is that I then plant the mums in my garden. and get pretty blooms the following year, since they are perennials! Another WIN/WIN!
The next time you hit the grocery store or garden center, inhale and enjoy the woodsy fragrance of garden mums. The distinctive odor brings the warm fuzzy feelings of the approaching season. Hmmm! I think that I can hear the local high school band practicing for tonight's football game! It MUST be fall, y'all! THE NOSE KNOWS!
I was at my local grocery store(akaTheTeeter)when I caught a familiar odor. It suddenly smelled like FALL! It was a rainy and warm day. Humidity makes odors hang around longer, I think. It also seems to intensify smells. There was a big truck out in front, unloading MUMS! Golden yellow, rusty red, dusty lavender. . .all beautiful colors of MUMS! Nothing says that fall is beginning to me like the sight and smell of those plants and their distinct flowers!
I usually purchase about three rounds of chrysanthemums. The first round is usally in mid-September, when the impatiens that are in pots on my porch begin to look a little droopy. I rotate the summer flowers around back, and replace them with the pots filled with golden blooms. The nicest thing about the mums, is that they do last(when I keep them watered!) on my shady front porch about a month. The secret is to buy them in tight buds!
Round two is in mid-October, so that the porch will look festive for Halloween. Those are generally yellow, as well. Round three is another color. Many times I try the rusty red or purple shades moving towards Thanksviving. The really nice thing is that I then plant the mums in my garden. and get pretty blooms the following year, since they are perennials! Another WIN/WIN!
The next time you hit the grocery store or garden center, inhale and enjoy the woodsy fragrance of garden mums. The distinctive odor brings the warm fuzzy feelings of the approaching season. Hmmm! I think that I can hear the local high school band practicing for tonight's football game! It MUST be fall, y'all! THE NOSE KNOWS!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
United we stand. . . and EXERCISE!
Good Morning Y'all! I have been up now for more than 3 hours. I have exercised, eaten breakfast, walked the dog, thrown in some laundry and answered emails! All of this energy is thanks to my mornings at the gym!
Now, if you saw me, you would KNOW that I am NOT a typical "gym rat!"One day, when I am brave, I will post a snapshot! This particular gym is NOT the "meat market" variety that we tend to see on tv. Nobody is "picking up" anybody at 6am! In fact, most folks just greet one another with a simple "hey" or "good morning" since we are all there for the same reason. . . TRYING to get more fit!
I am picked up by two women, slightly younger than I am, at 5:50 AM! That means, that I am up, teeth brushed and face washed. . . .dressed with a few sips of coffee and a banana eaten ahead of time. There is a little quiet conversation on the ride there, through the darkened neighborhood, to the Lifestyle Family Fitness Center. We are greeted by a smiling woman with a good sense of humor. Gotta have humor at that hour! "Here they come!" Yay, They made it again!" "Good job, girlfirends!"
At that point, we all go and "warm up" on the treadmill, eliptical or the bikes for about 1/2 mile. Then we are on to our individual routines. They do freeweights. I do machines, alternating upper body and lower body workouts. I do between 10 and 30 reps on each center, depending on what I am working on. My weight limit, at this time ia just 10 pounds for overhead lifts(I am weak in that area) and more than 50 pounds for my lower body. The trainer says that most women are weak in their upper body.
The GOOD news is that I am becoming less jiggley!;-) I am losing inches and a few pounds. . .GRADUALLY! I added this weight,a couple of poinds a year, over more than 20 years, so I am actually taking it off faster than I put it on! I am NOT intimidated by the buff, musclebound folks that are there. Most of the folks that are there are just trying to improve their health and fitness, just like me! The very best thing is that I have far more energy than I used to have, and get lots more accomplished in a day! Always a bonus! I am home by 7 am, to make certain that Annie B. is up and ready to head off to school! Some times, I actually give her a wake up call, via the cell phine, from the gym, when the Hubby is out of town!
I would not be nearly as dilligent at this, if it were not for my gym buddies, Suzanne and Celeste! Thank you to them for their encouragement and support. United we stand, and EXERCISE! Now, get moving, Y'all!
Now, if you saw me, you would KNOW that I am NOT a typical "gym rat!"One day, when I am brave, I will post a snapshot! This particular gym is NOT the "meat market" variety that we tend to see on tv. Nobody is "picking up" anybody at 6am! In fact, most folks just greet one another with a simple "hey" or "good morning" since we are all there for the same reason. . . TRYING to get more fit!
I am picked up by two women, slightly younger than I am, at 5:50 AM! That means, that I am up, teeth brushed and face washed. . . .dressed with a few sips of coffee and a banana eaten ahead of time. There is a little quiet conversation on the ride there, through the darkened neighborhood, to the Lifestyle Family Fitness Center. We are greeted by a smiling woman with a good sense of humor. Gotta have humor at that hour! "Here they come!" Yay, They made it again!" "Good job, girlfirends!"
At that point, we all go and "warm up" on the treadmill, eliptical or the bikes for about 1/2 mile. Then we are on to our individual routines. They do freeweights. I do machines, alternating upper body and lower body workouts. I do between 10 and 30 reps on each center, depending on what I am working on. My weight limit, at this time ia just 10 pounds for overhead lifts(I am weak in that area) and more than 50 pounds for my lower body. The trainer says that most women are weak in their upper body.
The GOOD news is that I am becoming less jiggley!;-) I am losing inches and a few pounds. . .GRADUALLY! I added this weight,a couple of poinds a year, over more than 20 years, so I am actually taking it off faster than I put it on! I am NOT intimidated by the buff, musclebound folks that are there. Most of the folks that are there are just trying to improve their health and fitness, just like me! The very best thing is that I have far more energy than I used to have, and get lots more accomplished in a day! Always a bonus! I am home by 7 am, to make certain that Annie B. is up and ready to head off to school! Some times, I actually give her a wake up call, via the cell phine, from the gym, when the Hubby is out of town!
I would not be nearly as dilligent at this, if it were not for my gym buddies, Suzanne and Celeste! Thank you to them for their encouragement and support. United we stand, and EXERCISE! Now, get moving, Y'all!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Notes from my back porch
Hi Y'all! If I ONLY had a laptop, I could be posting this from my back porch. . .aka the screened porch. Alas, both my Hubbie and Annie B. have one, but I am in the study at the desk top model! My favorite spot "in" our house is actually "out" on the screened porch. That is where the very old Fick's Reed furniture, circa the 1940's sits, with it's multiple coats of paint. It was purchased from a resale shop, about 28 years ago, before "shabby chic" became stylish. It worked for us, because we had little or no cash and a cute "starter house" with a screened porch that was larger by far than the living room of the 1300 sq. ft. abode, that cost us (newlyweds. at the time) far less than most cars do today! We needed furniture for the porch, so that we could entertain freinds and family. The resale shop, over in Aberdeen, was our answer. With a borrowed pick-up truck and a promise to pay for the gas, we headed to the shop, that depended on folks, who were retiring to North Carolina's Golf Capital, to fill their cinder block garage with "Timely Treasures" that would not fit in their downsized digs. We scooped up the entire set, which had 4 chairs a coffee table, end table and a sofa for $125.00, which was an ecomonic stretch, at the time. The furniture was originally natural, bamboo-style, with rattan wrappings. Over the years, the furnishings have been painted a glossy white, then a bright "Volvo" green followed by the current classic black. The first cushions were a sage green, followed by a bright floral, then a laminated red/green lily print and now black and white Sunbrella stripe on the sofa, and a lime green and white pindot on the remaining pair of chairs, piped in black and white stripe. When I finally figure out just how to post photos, I will add some snaps of my personal favorite place.
The old furniture has become an dear friend. Each house that we chose, HAD to have a porch, or the option of adding one, to make room for the furnishings. Through four houses in two cities, this porch set has followed us! It has been the setting for birthday parties and funeral gatherings. It has seen new babies welcomed, eldery relatives entertained, gatherings of friends, of graduates and of bridal showers. Today, I could go out and purchase a new set of furniture, that would be all shiney and pretty. I choose not to, but instead, hang on to the furniture that has followed us along the path of our marriage. It is a little tattered along the edges, but still holds strong. Unless a pine tree in a hurricane or ice storm decides to make a direct hit on the back porch, this comfy furniture will endure a little longer. It beckons us to sit a while and visit or curl up with a good book, under the ceiling fan. It provides a spot for coffee and conversation, or a place for prayer and reflection. What a great spot to gather, and speak "Y'all!"
The old furniture has become an dear friend. Each house that we chose, HAD to have a porch, or the option of adding one, to make room for the furnishings. Through four houses in two cities, this porch set has followed us! It has been the setting for birthday parties and funeral gatherings. It has seen new babies welcomed, eldery relatives entertained, gatherings of friends, of graduates and of bridal showers. Today, I could go out and purchase a new set of furniture, that would be all shiney and pretty. I choose not to, but instead, hang on to the furniture that has followed us along the path of our marriage. It is a little tattered along the edges, but still holds strong. Unless a pine tree in a hurricane or ice storm decides to make a direct hit on the back porch, this comfy furniture will endure a little longer. It beckons us to sit a while and visit or curl up with a good book, under the ceiling fan. It provides a spot for coffee and conversation, or a place for prayer and reflection. What a great spot to gather, and speak "Y'all!"
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Aftermath, OR Hanna's Belated Gift!
In my last posting, I bid a farewell to Hanna, the storm that dumped rain, but not too much else. As it turns out, she left us some belated "gifts" for us to remember her by. What a THOUGHTFUL little tropical storm visitor.
It seems that Sunday afternoon, as I was cleaning off my screened porch, Annie B,(the youngest daughter of the Y'all family), called me to the front of the house. She had been dong some homework in our study, and was distracted by birds right outside, who were raising an absolute rukkus! I stepped out on the front porch, and looked up into the branches of the enormous oak tree that spreads it's branches so beautifully across out front yard. Right above me, I saw (and heard!) a tufted titmouse, chickadees, a couple of mockingbirds and a blue jay, all hopping around the tree's lower branches, issuing some kind of an urgent message. Remembering a lesson taught to me as a very young child, by a sweet neighbor lady who was an avid bird watcher, I recalled that our feathered friends rarely group together with those who are not their "kind" preferring to socialize with birds of their exact species. Only in time of trouble, do they join together. At that moment, I noticed the bravest of the bunch, a mockingbird, diving at something about two feet off the porch. Looking down, I was astounded to see a snake, about 4 feet long, slithering within plain sight, right through the blooming white impatiens, just inches from my bottom porch step! Annie B. watched the legless creature, as I ran to get the Hubby, who was in full lawn-mowing mode in the back yard. Our hero, arrived with axe in hand and saved the "damsels in distress" by quickly dividing the slithering invader with a couple of rapid blows, and then hauling the remains out of sight! The really amazing thing was, that the birds were immediately silent, as if to say, "And now we will give you peace, since you destroyed our predator!"I am not in favor of destroying many of God's creatures, but snake is just not a welcome inhabitant of the Y'all garden! I am certain that this creature arrive in the neighborhood, via our creek, that was several feet above it's banks, due to Hanna's heavy downpours!
Later, we returned home from a youth group picnic, to find the entire right side of our house had been "relandscaped" by a huge fallen limb, about 30 feet long, from one of the five large trees in our front yard! The limb had fallen on the roof before landing on our front landscaping, right on top of our newest boxwoods. Yet another portion of the year old gutters was badly dented, and partially pulled from the facia trim of the house. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and, other than a mess, there, was minor damage. The limb must have had so much weight on it, with all of the rain, that it could no longer support the weight of the heavy leaves, sending it down, according to my neighbors, with a crashing blow and thud! Yet another calling card left by Hanna!
It seems that Sunday afternoon, as I was cleaning off my screened porch, Annie B,(the youngest daughter of the Y'all family), called me to the front of the house. She had been dong some homework in our study, and was distracted by birds right outside, who were raising an absolute rukkus! I stepped out on the front porch, and looked up into the branches of the enormous oak tree that spreads it's branches so beautifully across out front yard. Right above me, I saw (and heard!) a tufted titmouse, chickadees, a couple of mockingbirds and a blue jay, all hopping around the tree's lower branches, issuing some kind of an urgent message. Remembering a lesson taught to me as a very young child, by a sweet neighbor lady who was an avid bird watcher, I recalled that our feathered friends rarely group together with those who are not their "kind" preferring to socialize with birds of their exact species. Only in time of trouble, do they join together. At that moment, I noticed the bravest of the bunch, a mockingbird, diving at something about two feet off the porch. Looking down, I was astounded to see a snake, about 4 feet long, slithering within plain sight, right through the blooming white impatiens, just inches from my bottom porch step! Annie B. watched the legless creature, as I ran to get the Hubby, who was in full lawn-mowing mode in the back yard. Our hero, arrived with axe in hand and saved the "damsels in distress" by quickly dividing the slithering invader with a couple of rapid blows, and then hauling the remains out of sight! The really amazing thing was, that the birds were immediately silent, as if to say, "And now we will give you peace, since you destroyed our predator!"I am not in favor of destroying many of God's creatures, but snake is just not a welcome inhabitant of the Y'all garden! I am certain that this creature arrive in the neighborhood, via our creek, that was several feet above it's banks, due to Hanna's heavy downpours!
Later, we returned home from a youth group picnic, to find the entire right side of our house had been "relandscaped" by a huge fallen limb, about 30 feet long, from one of the five large trees in our front yard! The limb had fallen on the roof before landing on our front landscaping, right on top of our newest boxwoods. Yet another portion of the year old gutters was badly dented, and partially pulled from the facia trim of the house. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and, other than a mess, there, was minor damage. The limb must have had so much weight on it, with all of the rain, that it could no longer support the weight of the heavy leaves, sending it down, according to my neighbors, with a crashing blow and thud! Yet another calling card left by Hanna!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Farewell Hanna!
I am happy to report that Tropical Storm Hanna seems to be on her way! I was in Wrightsville Beach earlier this week(which I why there have not been regular posts!), and the beach was GORGEOUS! The water was a tropical turquoise and about 82 degrees! The sky was a true Carolina Blue, with some little puffy white clouds. The sand was PERFECT for walking. The sand just gives the BEST natural pedicure ever. No more rough spots on the feet, after a sand and sea walk!
As I drove back west on Thursday, I was joined by many boat owners, pulling their ivestments westward, out of harm's way. Traveling in an eastward direction, were many young men, hauling their surfboards toward the heavy surf and the waves that they hoped to ride. It seemed to be a bit of a do-si-do dance on the Interstate! Nothing like the evacuation of Hurricane Hugo that we were a part of from Charleston some years ago!
Inland, our rains started mid afternoon on Friday. In the triangle area, we have gotten nearly 5 inches. The major creek in our area is still rising, flooding the lower level parking deck of one of our bigger shopping centers. This is expected whenever there are steady rains for hours on end! That shopping center's location continues to be a "what WERE they thinking?" kind of a place. Built in mid 1970's it is still a great shopping spot, when the creek manages to behave.
Our house sits under the shade of three HUGE oak trees, which I adore! That is what attracted me to the house 9 years ago when our family relocated to "The City of Oaks" due to a corporate merger. That same attraction is a constant worry during storms, both summer and winter. This morning, just when I thought that we had completely dodged yet another bullet, I heard a loud THUD! It was either Annie B, taking a tumble upstairs or a limb on the roof. It was the latter, but fortunately, the only damage was a dent in the gutter over the front porch! A 15 foot dead limb was swaying in the wind gusts, just in front of our front entrance! The Hubby donned his work gloves and, once again, saved the day! Gotta love a guy with work gloves! Farewell Hanna!
As I drove back west on Thursday, I was joined by many boat owners, pulling their ivestments westward, out of harm's way. Traveling in an eastward direction, were many young men, hauling their surfboards toward the heavy surf and the waves that they hoped to ride. It seemed to be a bit of a do-si-do dance on the Interstate! Nothing like the evacuation of Hurricane Hugo that we were a part of from Charleston some years ago!
Inland, our rains started mid afternoon on Friday. In the triangle area, we have gotten nearly 5 inches. The major creek in our area is still rising, flooding the lower level parking deck of one of our bigger shopping centers. This is expected whenever there are steady rains for hours on end! That shopping center's location continues to be a "what WERE they thinking?" kind of a place. Built in mid 1970's it is still a great shopping spot, when the creek manages to behave.
Our house sits under the shade of three HUGE oak trees, which I adore! That is what attracted me to the house 9 years ago when our family relocated to "The City of Oaks" due to a corporate merger. That same attraction is a constant worry during storms, both summer and winter. This morning, just when I thought that we had completely dodged yet another bullet, I heard a loud THUD! It was either Annie B, taking a tumble upstairs or a limb on the roof. It was the latter, but fortunately, the only damage was a dent in the gutter over the front porch! A 15 foot dead limb was swaying in the wind gusts, just in front of our front entrance! The Hubby donned his work gloves and, once again, saved the day! Gotta love a guy with work gloves! Farewell Hanna!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Life is like a round of Golf!
Did Y'all know that life is like a round of golf? I set out to play yesterday with my hubby and daughter, Annie B., who needed to practice for the school golf team. Hubby needed to practice for his business golf games and I just needed the exercise and family time! So we headed out to the golf course where we play, which is on the other side of town(actually in another smaller town) from where we live. . .25 minutes away. We dropped off the clubs and I suddenly realized, that I had forgotten my golf shoes! ;-( So I feelt like a fool, for messing up like that, but decided that it just an opportunity to walk to the course and get some exercise with the family. So, I put on my happy face and headed out!
Well, I failed to mention to you in the last paragraph that I had worn the cutest pair of copper leather flip-flop style sandles, with beads and gold coins that kind of jingled when I walked. By now, you are getting the picture, I am certain! Walking 9 holes in flip flops on HILLS? OH MY!
The round of golf went from bad to worse! My hubby played the WORST round of golf that I had EVER observed! I lost count of the number of balls that he lost, mostly in the water, but a few out of bounds in the heavy poison ivy. You can imagine his mood, after he swung repeatedly at the dimpled ball, trying to get it out of the trap(which I call the beach!) and missing the mark! NOT a pretty picture! Meanwhile, I pounded the cart paths, jingling all the way, in my supportless, non-walking shoes, feeling the beginning a blister against my right great toe.
At this point, I am certain that you are getting ready to click off of this blog, feeling that you do not want to ready another complaining word to ruin your day. BUT, there was a BRIGHT spot and that was ANNIE B. and her game! In spite of her embarrassing parents, Annie B. was our little shining star! She played very well. She did not keep score, out of kindness to her Daddy, so as not to humiliate him further, but we all knew that she emerged as the winner of the round!
So, life is like a round of GOLF! Some are days are good and some are not, but somewhere in between, there is a glimmer of something good that emerges! In our round, it was the realization that our 16 year old daughter has an athletic talent that is emerging. Whether it emerges to the point that she will garner a bit of the LPGA scolarship money for college, that we keep hearing goes unawarded each year, since so few young women play golf, remains to be seen. But, we all had an opportunity to spend some time together, laughing at oursleves, and enjoying the gorgeous day and lovely surroundings, supporting our daughter and her endeavors. The bottom line is, as they say, not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. We played the game with love and humor, so that made it a WIN/WIN afterall! ;-) Y'all enjoy the week!
Well, I failed to mention to you in the last paragraph that I had worn the cutest pair of copper leather flip-flop style sandles, with beads and gold coins that kind of jingled when I walked. By now, you are getting the picture, I am certain! Walking 9 holes in flip flops on HILLS? OH MY!
The round of golf went from bad to worse! My hubby played the WORST round of golf that I had EVER observed! I lost count of the number of balls that he lost, mostly in the water, but a few out of bounds in the heavy poison ivy. You can imagine his mood, after he swung repeatedly at the dimpled ball, trying to get it out of the trap(which I call the beach!) and missing the mark! NOT a pretty picture! Meanwhile, I pounded the cart paths, jingling all the way, in my supportless, non-walking shoes, feeling the beginning a blister against my right great toe.
At this point, I am certain that you are getting ready to click off of this blog, feeling that you do not want to ready another complaining word to ruin your day. BUT, there was a BRIGHT spot and that was ANNIE B. and her game! In spite of her embarrassing parents, Annie B. was our little shining star! She played very well. She did not keep score, out of kindness to her Daddy, so as not to humiliate him further, but we all knew that she emerged as the winner of the round!
So, life is like a round of GOLF! Some are days are good and some are not, but somewhere in between, there is a glimmer of something good that emerges! In our round, it was the realization that our 16 year old daughter has an athletic talent that is emerging. Whether it emerges to the point that she will garner a bit of the LPGA scolarship money for college, that we keep hearing goes unawarded each year, since so few young women play golf, remains to be seen. But, we all had an opportunity to spend some time together, laughing at oursleves, and enjoying the gorgeous day and lovely surroundings, supporting our daughter and her endeavors. The bottom line is, as they say, not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. We played the game with love and humor, so that made it a WIN/WIN afterall! ;-) Y'all enjoy the week!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Life on the Interstate
Yesterday, my younger daughter and I took a rather short road trip on a pair of Interstate Hiways, to a city about an hour away. We used to live in this city, and headed there to visit a dear friend, who is rocovering from a heart attack and stroke. Our friend was quite happy to see us, and after visiting with her for about an hour, we cruised through a local Wendy's to pick up a couple of iced teas(sweet, of course!) for the ride back up I-95 and I-40.
We were scooting along the road, at about 70mph, chatting and commenting on what was on the radio, when I noticed a car, barrelling up the left lane, just behind me. I am known for rolling along with traffic, and rarely stay behind a slow car in the right hand lane. Still, I try not to tempt fate or the State Troopers by going more than 7-10 mph above the speed limit. Safety, not to mention, saving fuel, are pretty important to me.
I exclaimed to Annie B. that I had to get past this car quickly, and get into the right lane, because there was a "maniac" behind me! I told her that I bet her the car would have NY license tags. Ann said that she doubted that, so we had a bet going! I was able to pull over into the right lane, and the red Escalade blew past us. Guess what the license tags said? YEP! NY! It was followed in close order by another red car, also with NY tags. They were obviously traveling together.
Now I know that I am new blogger, so I may not have many folks reading this. But, if there is someone out there that would care to comment on this, please do. Each time I head out on the Interstates, I am constantly passed by cars with NY plates that are absolutely flying! I mean, these cars are exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph and more! What is it that these cars almost ALWAYS are from NY? I do not drive in that part of the country much, so I am obviously unaware, if New Yorkers are encouraged to drive that fast in their home state, or just what! I really am not the kind of person that likes to generalize or type cast others. But my observation of the driving habits of NY residents, really seems to hold true! Has anyone else noticed this? If you are from NY, why do y'all drive so fast? Inquiring minds WANT to know! Y"all may just want to slow down a bit, and enjoy the scenery!
We were scooting along the road, at about 70mph, chatting and commenting on what was on the radio, when I noticed a car, barrelling up the left lane, just behind me. I am known for rolling along with traffic, and rarely stay behind a slow car in the right hand lane. Still, I try not to tempt fate or the State Troopers by going more than 7-10 mph above the speed limit. Safety, not to mention, saving fuel, are pretty important to me.
I exclaimed to Annie B. that I had to get past this car quickly, and get into the right lane, because there was a "maniac" behind me! I told her that I bet her the car would have NY license tags. Ann said that she doubted that, so we had a bet going! I was able to pull over into the right lane, and the red Escalade blew past us. Guess what the license tags said? YEP! NY! It was followed in close order by another red car, also with NY tags. They were obviously traveling together.
Now I know that I am new blogger, so I may not have many folks reading this. But, if there is someone out there that would care to comment on this, please do. Each time I head out on the Interstates, I am constantly passed by cars with NY plates that are absolutely flying! I mean, these cars are exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph and more! What is it that these cars almost ALWAYS are from NY? I do not drive in that part of the country much, so I am obviously unaware, if New Yorkers are encouraged to drive that fast in their home state, or just what! I really am not the kind of person that likes to generalize or type cast others. But my observation of the driving habits of NY residents, really seems to hold true! Has anyone else noticed this? If you are from NY, why do y'all drive so fast? Inquiring minds WANT to know! Y"all may just want to slow down a bit, and enjoy the scenery!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Day3: A JUNKIN" adventure!
OK, Y'all. I MAY just be getting the hang of this blogging thing! I do appreciate all of the "WELCOME" from folks, near and far. Soon I hope to figure out how to post photos, just to make things a bit more interesting!
This morning, after an early a.m. workout at the gym, I headed home to freshen up a bit, and then to meet a couple of other moms of my daughter's friends for coffee. After a chat, two of us headed out for a favorite "sport" of mine, "JUNKIN"!" Actually, I think that it would best be described as a search for items to "adaptively reuse!" With a good eye and a creative mind, it is such fun to try to figure out many uses for odd combinations of items.
Our first stop was REVIVAL, which is an antique/junque furniture emporium. There, the owners scour auctions and tag sales, up and down the east coast, to buy things that others would put on the junk heap. They re-purpose those items to create new things that are both decorative and functional. Many items have been painted, or have new hardware added. All are reasonably priced and have been given new life.
My friend and I saw some pretty interesting things, including old lampshade frames, probably from the 30's or 40's that could be transformed into really cool chandeliers. There were wonderful reproduction hooks, that would be darling, used in pairs to hold a drapery rod or even to become towel racks. We left empty handed, but inspired!
Our second stop was the Habitat Re-Use Store. I have to tell you, that I have found WONDERFUL things here! You do need to stop by fairly often though, to find the best things. Otherwise, it is hit or miss. In the past, I found new light fixtures for an absolute song! Some of them were from "deconstruction" projects, where Habitat volunteers come in and take all of the usable parts out of a house, before it is demolished to build new McMansions. Barefoot is the proud recipient of one such find. It is an wrought iron, eight arm chandelier, that I repainted in an antique brushed metallic finish, and added shades to the candle bulbs. Gorgeous! The fixture was $30.00! Looks like about $500.00! Another favorite find was a set of old bi-fold closet doors, that we hinged together and painted to create a wonderful screen for a corner in out family room. It is a great way to hide "stuff" that needs to be there but I do not want to look at on a regular basis.
My haul today was not much, cost wise, but it will work well, I hope. I bought a long piece of molding that can be cut and mitered(by my clever hubby!) to create am inexpensive frame for a painting that I did to hang on our screened porch. When I say inexpensive, I really mean it! $2.14 for an 8 foot piece of molding! That was a deal! But my friend found an even better deal! She was searching for a pedestal sink for a powder room. There was a lovely one from American Standard for $15.00! She would still have to purchase the pedestal, because the bases there were too contemporary for the more traditional sink style. No purchase, until she checked out the pedestals at plumbing supply stores. Still, a good deal, if she decides that it will work!
Whenever I go junking, I feel as if I should be humming, "A hunting we will go. . ." ;-) By the way, I am ALWAYS interested in hearing of good places to find unique items that can be adaptively reused, so, please share sources!
Ok! Time to ready myself to watch Washington Week In Review on PBS. With the Dems just finishing up their convention in Denver, and the Repubs making a "surprise" VP announcement just before their big week in Minn., there will be much to learn from the tv talking heads! Lots of new fodder for the new season of SNL! And of course, lots of good material for future blogs!
This morning, after an early a.m. workout at the gym, I headed home to freshen up a bit, and then to meet a couple of other moms of my daughter's friends for coffee. After a chat, two of us headed out for a favorite "sport" of mine, "JUNKIN"!" Actually, I think that it would best be described as a search for items to "adaptively reuse!" With a good eye and a creative mind, it is such fun to try to figure out many uses for odd combinations of items.
Our first stop was REVIVAL, which is an antique/junque furniture emporium. There, the owners scour auctions and tag sales, up and down the east coast, to buy things that others would put on the junk heap. They re-purpose those items to create new things that are both decorative and functional. Many items have been painted, or have new hardware added. All are reasonably priced and have been given new life.
My friend and I saw some pretty interesting things, including old lampshade frames, probably from the 30's or 40's that could be transformed into really cool chandeliers. There were wonderful reproduction hooks, that would be darling, used in pairs to hold a drapery rod or even to become towel racks. We left empty handed, but inspired!
Our second stop was the Habitat Re-Use Store. I have to tell you, that I have found WONDERFUL things here! You do need to stop by fairly often though, to find the best things. Otherwise, it is hit or miss. In the past, I found new light fixtures for an absolute song! Some of them were from "deconstruction" projects, where Habitat volunteers come in and take all of the usable parts out of a house, before it is demolished to build new McMansions. Barefoot is the proud recipient of one such find. It is an wrought iron, eight arm chandelier, that I repainted in an antique brushed metallic finish, and added shades to the candle bulbs. Gorgeous! The fixture was $30.00! Looks like about $500.00! Another favorite find was a set of old bi-fold closet doors, that we hinged together and painted to create a wonderful screen for a corner in out family room. It is a great way to hide "stuff" that needs to be there but I do not want to look at on a regular basis.
My haul today was not much, cost wise, but it will work well, I hope. I bought a long piece of molding that can be cut and mitered(by my clever hubby!) to create am inexpensive frame for a painting that I did to hang on our screened porch. When I say inexpensive, I really mean it! $2.14 for an 8 foot piece of molding! That was a deal! But my friend found an even better deal! She was searching for a pedestal sink for a powder room. There was a lovely one from American Standard for $15.00! She would still have to purchase the pedestal, because the bases there were too contemporary for the more traditional sink style. No purchase, until she checked out the pedestals at plumbing supply stores. Still, a good deal, if she decides that it will work!
Whenever I go junking, I feel as if I should be humming, "A hunting we will go. . ." ;-) By the way, I am ALWAYS interested in hearing of good places to find unique items that can be adaptively reused, so, please share sources!
Ok! Time to ready myself to watch Washington Week In Review on PBS. With the Dems just finishing up their convention in Denver, and the Repubs making a "surprise" VP announcement just before their big week in Minn., there will be much to learn from the tv talking heads! Lots of new fodder for the new season of SNL! And of course, lots of good material for future blogs!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Day 2, in the Bloggin' Pool
Hey, Y'all!
Many thanks to the girlfriends of my "Barefoot" daughter, for your notes of welcome and encouragement! I'm getting my toes in the pool gradually, and hope to be happily splashing around before long!
I am off for a day in my "Community Volunteer" hat! In a moment of weakness last spring, I said "yes" to a position within the Parent's Assn. at my youngest daughter's school. This year, it is the VP. Next year, it will be the BIG KAHUNA of the group. Barefoot calls it the "Mother's Mafia!" She is probably correct on that. The group does a lot of good for the school, but sometimes, groups like this can get on a bit of a "power trip!" Not my direction, at all! After WAY too many years to count in the Junior League(which my family called the Junior Plague!) , I have had it up to my earlobes with the "Steamroller Women" who are ready to roll ALL over anyone who DARES to rain on their personal power trip parade!
Also, gotta gather up the snacks and drinks for the golf team at the school, since Annie B (B is for Bogie!) qualified for this match. They are playing against a public school this afternoon, and severe weather in the area postponed yesterday's practice. There does not seem to be an Annika or a Tiger type among them. LPGA hopefuls? Not so much! The results will have to do with how well the other team plays. Anything could happen, so stay tuned!
Many thanks to the girlfriends of my "Barefoot" daughter, for your notes of welcome and encouragement! I'm getting my toes in the pool gradually, and hope to be happily splashing around before long!
I am off for a day in my "Community Volunteer" hat! In a moment of weakness last spring, I said "yes" to a position within the Parent's Assn. at my youngest daughter's school. This year, it is the VP. Next year, it will be the BIG KAHUNA of the group. Barefoot calls it the "Mother's Mafia!" She is probably correct on that. The group does a lot of good for the school, but sometimes, groups like this can get on a bit of a "power trip!" Not my direction, at all! After WAY too many years to count in the Junior League(which my family called the Junior Plague!) , I have had it up to my earlobes with the "Steamroller Women" who are ready to roll ALL over anyone who DARES to rain on their personal power trip parade!
Also, gotta gather up the snacks and drinks for the golf team at the school, since Annie B (B is for Bogie!) qualified for this match. They are playing against a public school this afternoon, and severe weather in the area postponed yesterday's practice. There does not seem to be an Annika or a Tiger type among them. LPGA hopefuls? Not so much! The results will have to do with how well the other team plays. Anything could happen, so stay tuned!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hey Y'all!
I think I may swoon I'm so excited! After having watched the Olympics, I feel as if I am one of those divers, standing on the edge of the diving platform about to take the leap into the blogging pool. This is a little scary because I am not a 20 something computer genius! Join me as I navigate uncharted waters. After all, its not the destination but the journey!
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